Celebrating My Loving Wife Cecile's Birthday at Polenteria Restaurant

"FOOD is symbolic of LOVE when words are inadequate."—Alan D. Wolfelt

We had an intimate dining experience at Polenteria in downtown Los Gatos last evening to celebrate Cecile’s birthday. She is being celebrated as my beloved wife, a devoted mother, a doting grandmother and a treasured friend. Everyone at the table and beyond will be the first to vouch for her having a heart of gold. I would add, she loves unconditionally, she gives of herself not out of reward or recognition, but because she is genuinely interested in the well-being of others—especially her family. She doesn’t feel the need to compare herself to others, and feels unapologetic about being herself. Her honesty is also the foundation of all her relationships. You can always count her being a loyal friend, partner, and confidante. She empathizes and feels your pain, listens carefully and often gives sound and common sense advice if that is what is needed in the moment.

And now, to the food. Polenteria features an entire gluten-free Italian menu that is created by Chef Yvonne Khananis who has invested 25 years perfecting her craft. We ordered three appetizers for the table: Arancini del Giorno (Sicilian fried stuffed risotto balls) and Bruschetta Flights (a choice of three creative combinations of food listed on their menu). As to our entrees, as a group we had Eggplant Parmesan; Seared Scallops on top of creamy risotto; Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Masala on top of Mash Potatoes and String beans, Fettuccine with clams and sausage and Sausage with Pasta.

While waiting for dessert Cecile opened her presents and was presently surprised with a couple of “Johnny Was” long sleeved tops. Of course Lyla, the good helper that she helped Nonnie open them.

For dessert, Jason had Affogato (vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso), Lyla and Emmy had beignets, and the rest of had a cannoli.

Dinner at the Dry Creek Grill with our Friends the Rothenberg's with a Little Pre-Birthday Surprise

Cecile and I had dinner at the Dry Creek Grill on Hamilton Avenue in San Jose last evening with my biking buddy Bill Rothenberg and his wife Sarah. The first thing you notice when you approach the entrance of this wonderful eatery is the bright, warm glow of the outdoor lights and fire-pits that provides a welcoming presence. The inside offers an upscale ambiance with a laid back comfortable feel that long-time restauranteurs John and Holly Smith had intended. The long, gorgeous redwood bar is lively without being too loud and the crowd is casual and fashionable. Speaking of drinks, the ladies ordered a Lemon Drop cocktail and I had I had a Hazy IPA draft.

Bill and Sarah shared Waldorf Greens with goat cheese, candied pipits, with a side of balsamic vinaigrette and Cecile and I shared a Caesar’s salad. For our entrees, Bill and Cecile had Grilled Salmon with Couscous, Sarah ordered a Half Barbecued Chicken with Savory, sweet, spicy BBQ sauce and side of baked beans with molasses & bacon. It was substantial enough to take some home. I thoroughly enjoyed a Braised tender Short Rib with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, wild mushrooms, and natural jus.

While we all got caught up about the kids and grandkids and upcoming events, we mentioned we had birthday dinner plans for Cecile, and had mentioned to the waiter it was Cecile’s birthday (officially its Saturday), and the waiter brought out a Fresh Baked Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie served with Vanilla ice cream on top that we all shared. We sang Happy Birthday as Cecile blew out the candle—or I should I say she took the more sanitary option and clapped her hands and the dispersed air extinguished the candle, a trick she learned from an elderly cousin when we were younger:). With our sweet tooth not completed satisfied, Bill treated us to a soft serve ice cream cone at DQ.

Trick or Treating with our Granddaughters & A Traditional Halloween Treat of Chili and Corn Bread & Caramel Apples at the Chiens

“There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch.”

—Robert Braut

After enjoying some play time on the swings in Kim and Al’s back yard, we enjoyed some home-made chili and baked corn muffins, which is a ritual passed down from Kim’s mother when she was a child. It was very tasty, filling and in my view falls into the category of “comfort food.” For dessert, Kim gave Lyla the honors of helping her bring out a tray full of Caramel Apples. Kyle’s brother, Chip drove over from Scotts’ Valley to join us. But, the big event our granddaughter’s Lyla and Emmy were waiting for was “Trick-or-Treating.” Our daughter Michelle helped them change into their costumes. Lyla wore a white dress fashioned after Elsa, the fictional character in Disney movie, “Frozen). What made it extra special is that it had battery operated lights underneath. She was in heaven. Emmy wore a yellow dress fashioned after Belle, the fictional character in Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast." We left the house to begin trick or treating, and while on the porch, Kyle surprised the girls by coming out in a white bunny outfit. Chip teased him about it not being Easter, but the fun part of Halloween is that you can be anybody or anything you want.

We circled around Kim and Al’s neighborhood and approached any home that had decorations and tables out front or their porches and inside lights on. When we got back to Kim and Al’s, Al was manning the booth he had set up for trick-or- treaters. As they say, "build it and they will come.” Suddenly, a parade of kids of all ages with elaborate and creative costumes, mostly accompanied by adults arrived for some goodies. Lyla was in her element and took center stage with Al coaching her to say "you can take two"-meaning two pieces of candy.

Postscript: The history of Trick-or-Treating traces back to Scotland and Ireland, where the tradition of “guising,” going house-to-house at Halloween and putting on a small performance to be rewarded with food or treats, goes back a least as far as the 16th century, as does the tradition of people wearing costumes at Halloween.

Remembering our Late Brother Michael & Happy Birthday in Heaven to our Late Mother Maria

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day…unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.” —Unknown

The older we get the closer eternity seems. You never know when the sand is going to run out of the hourglass.

For our brother Michael the sand ran out when he tragically took his own life four years ago, on "All Saints Day,” observed on November 1st by the Roman Catholic Church. It was nine days before his 61st Birthday. Formerly, of Hoboken, NJ., where we grew up, he lived in Beachwood. He is survived by his beloved sons Micheal Jr., Andrew, Brock, and Alex, my sister Josephine, and brother Steve, as well as all his nieces and nephews. He was a well liked Construction Manager for Shauger Group in East Orange. In his youth he loved to play hockey, and was a proud Eagle Scout. My fondest memory of Michael is the time my brother-in-law Joseph McAllister and I invited him to join us on a camera safari in Kenya and Tanzania for a well-deserved, long overdue vacation. I never saw him so happy. Michael lived with Cecile and I in California, went to West Valley College, worked for Pella Windows for a while and later moved to San Diego. After he died our brother was cremated and our nephew Michael Jr., gave us an amulet containing some of his ashes. The one I was gifted is a silver amulet of an elephant. I keep it in my bike bag on top of my bike rack behind my so my brother Michael is always with me during my rides.

Wednesday, November 2nd, is our late mother Maria’s birthday. She passed away on Mother’s day, May 12, 2013. While Cecile and I were in New Jersey before our Fall Foliage Cruise on the Hudson River, we visited my parents, Marie and Frank's gravesite at the Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. We laid a flowering plant at the foot of the headstone and took a photo together to mark the occasion. Mom is best remembered for her beauty, her loving presence, her sharp wit, and contagious laugh. When we were visiting family in Sicily she loved to take the red ripe fruit of a cactus plant, carefully cut the thorny skin off and eat the fruit. Seven years ago when we downsized to a townhome, I realized that I could see a grouping of cactus plants from my home office window. It was another way to keep her memory alive. Happy Birthday in Heaven mom, from all of us!

Postscript: Happy Birthday to our brother in law, Joseph McAllister seen in the photo with Michael and I during the East Africa safari we took together. While brother Michael died on All Saints Day, Joe was born on All Saints Day. The evening my brother left us, Josie, Joe, Cecile and I were near the Hudson, still in shock that the sand had run out of Michael's hourglass.

Family Dinner at Fiaschetteria "Pistoia" Tuscan Restaurant on the East Side of NYC

While our travel buddies the Bye’s attended another Broadway play, Cecile and I had the rare opportunity to have dinner at Fiaschetteria Pistoia, an authentic Tuscan eatery with my cousin Joseph Micalizzi, his lovely wife Natia, and their wonderful daughters, Alyssa and Victoria. The last time we broke bread together was last year in San Francisco at the end of their Hawaiian Island Cruise, before they returned home to Staten Island. Victoria made the reservations at the East Village restaurant, and it turned out to be an excellent choice.

When I asked for the wine list, a staff member brought out an open a hand-held crate of wine displaying their offering options for that particular evening, along with price tags for a glass or bottle. My cousin Joseph and I had a bottle of Forst Italian premium-lager beer while others ordered a glass of white wine.

Before ordering dinner, I went up to a plexiglass window stand where one of the chefs was hand rolling the pasta, which is done daily. The chef smiled as I took a photo of him and the kitchen. Collectively, we had a 24 month aged Prosciutto San Daniele; Shaved Artichoke Hearts with Parmigiana and pine nuts; Pappardelle pasta with beef Ragu Bolognese; Tagliatelle with Black Truffle; Tuscan Bean Soup; and Veal Scallopini with a side tater top size potatoes, and green salad with tomatoes.

For dessert, Natia ordered dry biscuits with almonds and Holy Wine. Others had limoncello and Cecile and I shared a Panna Cotta with berries.

Proscript: Fiaschetteria means retail wine shop, and Pistoia is the name of a town in Northern Tuscany

A Celebratory Event at The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise with Friends on Broadway

“Over the years, you grow up, you mature and you see things in a different way, and it's reflected in the writing.” —Neil Diamond

Yesterday, Cecile and I and our good friends Nelson and Susan Bye attended a matinee performance of the new musical about Neil Diamond called "A Beautiful Noise,” at the Broadhurst Theater on Broadway. The performance was nothing short of awesome. The song and dance extravaganza featuring his legendary music tells the story of Diamond’s life and musical career featuring his hit song Sweet Caroline,” an irresistible anthem that triggered a singalong, America,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” From his early days in New York to sold-out spectacles that defined his illustrious career, A Beautiful Noise explores the life of a rock icon through the music that made him a national treasure.

Nick Fradiani and Mark Jacoby play the younger and older version of the rock star. We had 5th row, center seats. There is nothing like a shared human experience at a musical theater and an artist who despite his success was willing to share his shortcomings and the limits of having everything that money could buy. By the end of the show we were up on our feet, clapping, cheering and being gently struck with an explosion of orange paper streamers. After the performance, Nick Fradiani who played the younger Neil greeted us out front, had his photo take with us and signed the front cover of our PLAYBILL.

We Love New York: Enjoying The City that Never Sleeps & Having Dinner at the Brooklyn Diner

“New York, I think of nighttime, I think of Times Square and Broadway, and nightlife and the city that never sleeps.”—Jimmy Fallon

After visiting family members in Rutherford, NJ, Cecile and I checked into newly renovated New York Marriott Marquis, located in the heart of Times Square that includes the world famous Theater District, Rockefeller Center, and Radio Music Hall. At the recommendation of my brother-in-law Joe, we had dinner at the Brooklyn Dinner a few blocks from the hotel. We decided to share a juicy, tender Hot Pastrami Sandwich on Rye bread with a pickle and Cole slaw and an order of Pigs-in-a-Blanket with frankfurter. Cecile also ordered a chocolate egg cream, a popular drink from her youth. Everything about the pastrami reminded Cecile of her late beloved father, Harry Weiner who had a small food market and Deli in Chicago. He cooked the meat himself, and, it was a special treat for customers and family alike.

We decided to walk off our meal in Times Square on the world-famous intersection of 42nd Street. The name is synonymous with Broadway shows, various Disney characters, neon lights and gargantuan billboards. It Is New York’s most famous landmark and the liveliest area in the city. On a typical weekday, 430,000 people will pass through it. One would think that in one of the most heavily trafficked destinations in the world, you would hardly bump into anybody you from from back home. Well, as fate would have it, we heard someone yell out Cecile’s name. It turned out to be the mother of our daughter Michelle’s childhood friend. Speaking of Michelle, even though I grew up in Hoboken, a city on the Hudson that faces NYC, we really got to know it better when she lived and worked there for seven years before returning to California.

A Colorful Bike Ride to Downtown San Jose & Lunch at the Iconic San Pedro Square Market

For the most part Bill and were able to avoid car traffic during most of our 23-mile bike ride to downtown San Jose by accessing established biking trails. What keeps it fun and exciting is that you never know who or what you’re going to encounter. For example, we found ourselves riding alongside an old, funky, cartoonish-looking sedan. As we got to the stoplight ahead, we noticed large, bright yellow letters spelling out the words Lil unda. It practically took up the entire space of the passenger side of the car. While waiting for the light to change I asked the driver who was riding with a friend, if I could take a photo of the car. “Sure, bro, no problem,” he said. It turned out the car belonged to local rapper and hip hop artist that went by the name of Lil unda, who has a large presence in the Latino community.

Bill and I rode past the old Del Monte water tower, a park with the same name, a homeless encampment before we arrived to the downtown area. We rode under a big orange sign belonging to the Children’s Discovery Museum that read "Voyage to Vietnam Celebrating the Tet Festival, an exhibit that was open through the end of the year. As we approached Guadalupe River Park, The American Heart Association had a "Heart Walk" fundraising event. After stopping at one of the booths we continued on past the San Jose Civic Center. We then found ourselves riding between the shooting vertical fountains of Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park. A short time later we rode past the colorful San Jose Museum of Art that was featuring Portrait of the Artist, Yolanda Lopez. We saw the iconic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph on Market Street.

Our final destination was colorful, outdoor lunch at San Pedro Square Market, a large open-air plaza surrounded by some historical landmarks that go back to the 1800s. Bill ordered a slice of wood-fired pizza and a side of salad from Pizza Bocca Lupa. I had a Chicken Banh Mi sandwich from On-a-Roll, Vietnamese Cuisine. After eating and taking a few photos of some colorful murals and paintings of the old Santa Clara Mission circa 1851, we headed back home.

Romantic Dinner with Cecile at Teleferic Barcelona Authentic Spanish Cuisine

“Food, in the end…is something sacred. It’s not about nutrients and calories. It's about sharing. It’s about honesty. It’s about identity.”

—Louise Fresco

I love the promo of Teleferic: A dinning experience that transports you to the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain without the need for a passport. Cecile and I love the Tapas Style model of sharing meals with loved ones. It allows you to try a wide variety of flavors and cuisines in a social and cultural setting as well as a culinary one.

The Mediterranean-style decor includes whitewashed, latticework, hand-glazed ceramic tiles. Our attentive waiter was Julio from Columbia. Cecile ordered a glass of Sangria and I had a bottle of Estrella beer brewed in Barcelona since 1876. We essentially shared four dishes: Empanadas: Roasted chicken served with spicy aioli. It is brought to the table on a metal rack with the empanadas situated sideways; Spanish Meatballs: Tender beef meatballs in a flavorful ‘canary masala’ sauce and cream; Crispy artichoke with light pistachio foam and red curry; and the fourth dish we ordered was a Southern Kebab: seasoned beef skewers with tomato hummus and basil dressing. Everything was delicious.

Teleferic Barcelona Barcelona is located between Sephora and Anthropologie in Old Town Los Gatos. it features a large outdoor patio in front, an expansive indoor dining area, a hidden private dining room, and a Spanish Market with high-end imported products from Spain. They have a signature open kitchen and marbles 360 bar. Other locations include Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Walnut Creek, Barcelona and Sant Cugat.

Special thanks to Kim and Al Chien for the gift card to Teleferic given to me for my birthday last August that we finally got around to using and it was worth the wait.

Sunday Brunch at Jack’s Restaurant with our Daughter Michelle and our Cherished Granddaughters Lyla and Emmy

Jack’s motto: “Make Great Food. Be Nice.”—Mama Eleni

Granddaughters bring to life a world of joy, laughter, endless love, and precious memories. They are a reminder of the beauty of life and they keep our hearts young.

We met our daughter Michelle and our granddaughters Lyla and Michelle at kids-friendly Jack’s Restaurant at Westgate Shopping Center for Sunday brunch. It is the fifth and newest restaurant established by the Marcovici brothers, second-generation restauranteurs.

The hostess provided the girls with crayons and a coloring sheet of paper. The first thing Cecile and I notice when eating out at a restaurant with the girls, is not only how much sunshine and smiles they bring us, but to couples in neighborhood booths. Lyla was wearing a red long-sleeved shirt accented with an abundance of hearts and Emmy was wearing a red short-sleeved shirt with a carousel horse that we brought back for her from a Riverfront shop in Spokane over a year ago that she had grown into. They both wore long necklaces and Emmy decided she wanted to bring along her blue balloon that she got at Lyla’s school friend’s birthday party. They both had pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and fresh fruit from Jack's extensive kid’s menu. We left the restaurant with our stomachs and hearts full. Kudos to our kid-friendly waiter Joseph—who has a five year old—for taking care of our needs and whom we awarded with a generous tip

Pleasant Serendipitous Encounters with the Late Senator Dianne Feinstein We'll Never Forget & Heartfelt Condolences to Family & Friends

“Famous people are always shrouded in mystery…and we’re always curious to know what they are like…and most importantly whether they’re people just likes us.”

—Justina Ciapaite

“Life is filled with defeat and you just pick yourself up and you go on.”

—Senior Senator Dianne Feinstein

Cecile and I were surprised how emotional we got when the breaking news from all media outlets announced

that that Senator Feinstein had died at the age of 90. She left behind an incredible legacy that began

with the tragic 1978 assassinations of Mayor Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in San Francisco. She emerged as the first female mayor of the city by the bay after serving as the first female president of the SF Board of Supervisors in 1971. In 1992 she went to Washington after winning a special election and became California’s first female senator along with Barbara Boxer. She was known for her pragmatism and reaching across the aisle.

Cecile and I had encountered Senator Feinstein many times. Cecile had frequented the same hair and nail salon in Union Square. She chit chatted with her a few times on a few occasions. A little over two years before her 1992 special election to fill the spot vacated by Pete Wilson who beat Feinstein in a gubernatorial race, I had spoken to her briefly at the salon while Cecile was preparing to get a manicure and pedicure. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I turned to my left and saw her seated very comfortably with curl rollers in her hair and getting a mani-pedi. She was very friendly and accessible. I told her I was getting a massage while Cecile was getting a mani-pedi. I prematurely congratulated her as the next would be governor. Of course, as mentioned above, Pete Wilson prevailed, and despite the loss, her political career blossomed.

Another serendipitous encounter included seeing her at the SF airport for our trip to Maui while she was preparing to board on a flight to one of the other islands. She had a ton of baggage that our young, little, curious son Jason was only too happy to climb upon. The last time we saw Feinstein, was at a celebration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama in San Francisco for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle to regain sovereignty in Tibet. There was a very moving interfaith service afterwards. Cecile and I had invited a rabbi and his wife to attend. Feinstein and her husband were long time friends of the Dalai Lama. Her late husband Richard Blum brought her to Dharmsala to meet His Holiness in 1978. As Senator she was involved in Institutionalizing the United States support for Tibet. Her husband, a long time Bay Area businessman was the Founder and chaired The American Himalayan Foundation to improve education and health, preserve Tibetan culture, and prevent girl trafficking, causes Cecile and I have supported on and off over the years.

Dinner at Jack's Restaurant with Friends Nelson and Susie Bye

“The only thing better than talking about food is eating it.”

—John Walters

Jack’s bills itself as an all-day, any day—as in seven days a week—family-run eatery with genuine, old-school hospitality that reflects the owners Greek-American heritage. It is a great place to celebrate life’s milestones like graduations, birthdays, engagement and weddings or one’s friendship. Since the beginning of time, cultures around the world have enjoyed a simple ritual: the act of sitting down with good friends or family to share a meal. It’s a time to break away from electronic devices and engage in the lost art of face-to-face conversation, sharing thoughts, ideas, laughs, future plans, and concerns which has a way to ease the stress of everyday life. Communal dining offers us a chance to learn more about each others’ favorite foods and drink, sample food you wouldn’t normally try when eating alone, and add new favorites to your culinary repertoire.

We decide to eat on the outdoor patio to avoid the echoing hustle-bustle and chatter in the inside dining areas. They also have a full bar and serve 16 beers on tap and a varied wine list. Nelson had a Blue Moon Belgian White and I ordered a Hefeweizen draft by Widmer brothers. Susie had a lemon drop martini. Nelson ordered a Coconut Shrimp appetizer for the table with Asian coleslaw, and sweet and sour dipping sauce. Cecile ordered a Jack’s mixed green salad for the table and for her entree she chose a Grilled Double Chicken Breast with veggies on the side. Susie ordered a Gyro with Lamb and Beef combo, on warm open-faced Pita bread with all the fixings including tzatziki. Nelson and I would normally choose something more substantial but decided instead to have Jack’s Burger with thousand island dressing, sautéed onions, American cheese on brioche seeded roll. Nelson also had the best onion rings I have ever tasted. For dessert we went to Yogurtland nearby chose our favorite flavors and toppings, before heading home.

Happy New Year & Anniversary to our Israeli-American Friends who got Married in the Golan Heights During the Yom Kippur War of 1973 while serving in the Israeli Army

Happy New Year & Anniversary to our Israeli-American Friends who got Married in the Golan Heights During the Yom Kippur War of 1973 while serving in the Israeli Army

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement which began at sundown last evening runs through until nightfall today. The most appropriate greeting for Yom Kippur is G’mar Hatima Tova, which means ‘may you be sealed in the Book of Life.’ The day focuses on introspection, celebration, and beginning the new year—which began on Rosh Hashanah, on September 15 with a clean slate.

Last evening Cecile and I and our son Jason watched the film Golda, the biographical drama depicting the life of Golda Meir, the 4th Prime Minister of Israel, particularly during the Yom Kippur War starring Helen Mirren, Camille Cottin and Live Shreiber. Faced with the potential of Israel’s complete destruction, Meir must navigate overwhelming odds, a skeptical cabinet and a complex relationship with U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as millions of lives hang in the balance during the tense 19 days of the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Interestingly enough, our Israeli-American friends Itzik Korakin and his wife Mika’s lives and anniversary literally parallel the same time period. They were both serving in the Israeli Army, which is compulsory for Israeli citizens. Itzik, who was born in August 1950, the same year as me (Our birthdays are two days apart) served the last of his six year commitment—which included three years in military school—in the Golan Heights as an operations officer for a battalion of tanks.

On the eve of Rash Hashanah Israeli TV news did a story about their wedding 50 years ago during the Yom Kippur War at a base camp in the Golan Heights [seized from Syria in the closing stages off the earlier 1967 Six-Day War]. Itzik’s superior arranged the surprise wedding ceremony. After several attempts by Israeli TV who had the original footage to contact Itzik, they finally succeeded. They interviewed him and Mika and arranged for a local photographer to take some current photos. It’s not often that a couple gets married while serving in the Israeli Army and even less common during wartime. Happy Anniversary to Mika and Itzik and their family and congratulations. They have become part of Israeli history with a story to tell.

Dinner with My Son Jason at Chika Mex-Cal Kitchen at Santana Row

As we walked to and from Chika’s Mexican Restaurant, we heard The Jinx Jones Trio performing to a large crowd. Jones who once played with Chuck Berry and other greats, is one of the top rock-ability guitarists on the music scene today. People were up and dancing outdoors en masse in front of the main stage and the American Bar (photos). For those not from around here, Santana Row is closed off to car traffic and is reminiscent of a European community.

Jason and I were on a mission to grab a drink and dinner at Chika, a restaurant that bills itself as a gourmet Mexican Rosticeria and doubles as a sports bar. Chika, in Spanish means close female friend. It was a windy and cool evening so we elected to eat indoors.

As we walked in, we saw a neon sign with the words Taco Love, teal tile flooring and a huge bar with well lit hanging basket lamps. Jason and I ordered a Chika-Rita, made up of Cazadores Blanca, Mama Pomegranate Liquor, Agave, Fresh Lime, and Fresh Orange Juice. For dinner Jason ordered Steak Fajitas with bell peppers and onions with cilantro rice, beans, warm corn tortillas and tomato salsa. I had a Chika Chicken Burrito. We’ll need to come back sometime for some of their more gourmet offerings.

There was unusual activity at Santana Row. About forty people were walking their dogs. It had to be a planned event and it caught everyone’s eye (Photo). After leaving the European setting and heading back to Cecile and my townhome, we also spotted about fifty bicyclists riding on Campbell Avenue (Photo). Again, it had to be a planned event, and seeing more than 10 biking enthusiasts riding together is also rare.

Bike Rides to Villa Montalvo & Guadalupe Reservoir in Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”—Joseph Campbell

My friend Bill and I went on two notable bike rides this past week. The first one was a 25-mile outing to Guadalupe Reservoir a part of the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, which at its highest point is over 1,700 feet above sea level with sweeping views of San Jose. The park got its name from their New Almaden Quicksilver Mines, named after the mercury mine in (old) Almaden, Spain. It produced the mercury that was used to process ore during California Gold Rush. The Guadalupe Reservoir is located high up along Hicks Road on Guadalupe Creek, a tributary of the Guadalupe River. It is so quiet, that if you see more than one car pass you by every half hour, that is a lot. Upon our return we stopped at Bill’s wood carver contact and supplier for some of his woodworking projects.

The second 17-mile ride, closer in, that we did today was to the iconic Villa Montalvo, the privately owned blooming Peach Tree Road gardens in Saratoga, and parts of Los Gatos, all located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Villa Montalvo is composed of a magnificent Mediterranean mansion with surrounding gardens, a cultural arts center and walking trails is one of the last great estates gracing the Santa Clara County countryside. The estate once belonged to James Duval Phelan, son of an ambitious Irish immigrant that made his fortune during the Gold Rush. Phelan became mayor of San Francisco and a United States Senator. Upon his death, the former senator with philanthropic bona fides donated Villa Montalvo to the San Francisco Art Association along with income to maintain the property as a public park. Currently, Villa Montalvo serves as a center for the arts. Today, resident artists live and work on the magnificent estate.

Postscript: Back in the day, I was part of a watercolor group called Saratoga Community of Painters for several years that included a retired CEO of Lockheed. Montalvo was not only one of our prized spots to paint, but our group also had an exhibit there and I was humbled by the fact that the director of our show at the time bought one of my paintings of the main mansion.

Parting Shots of our Recent Two-Wheeled Utopian Ride of the San Francisco Bay & Jimi Doing the Irish Jig

My friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter, and Bill Rothenberg have done this group ride several times since COVID began and there were hardly any tourists to be seen. My son-in-law Kyle joined us on two of our rides including this one.

It was our port of call in the midst of a worldwide crisis. You can hear birdsong everywhere, especially the seagulls catching the thermals over the ocean front. The hardest thing for me to do is to edit the photos that I and my fellow cyclists take. As you know, I love to blog on Facebook and publish them on my blog site: enjoyyourlifenow.net

By doing so I get to relive and celebrate the experience anew. As joyful as it is, the task at hand is editing the photos I and those of my fellow cyclists take. These are some parting shots of our fabulous ride we took in San Francisco, Tiburon and Belvedere islands that include Alcatraz, Aquatic Park Cove, Fisherman’s Wharf, Battery Park, Bay Front Park, Fort Point, the Marin Headlands, Pier 39, the Sausalito downtown Waterfront, and a few more of the Golden Gate Bridge that we traversed. There is also a short video clip of Jimi doing the Irish Jig in front of a duet who were playing a small accordion and violin.

Cycling Over the Golden Gate Bridge & Taking the Ferry Back to SF from Tiburon & Belvedere

“There are some cities that don’t need a filter; they don’t need an introduction either. Once you experience them for first time, your heart gives in to their subtle charm, you lose yourself in the city vibes and you’re left longing to return. San Francisco is one of those cities.”

—Katrina Barriga Albring

My son-in-law Kyle, and good friend Bill loaded our bikes onto Bill's SUV at 8:15 AM Sunday morning and caravanned to San Francisco with our biking buddies Jimi and Jennifer Hunter out in front. It’s not often that the stars align so that we can take a group bike ride in the City. After parking at Fort Point, the Hunters led us on a frigid and invigorating ride over the mostly car-free Golden Gate Bridge, a historical landmark known worldwide. We had expected sunny skies, but the fog shrouding the bridge hadn’t lifted yet. After navigating the bridge crossing we rode along the waterfront to Sausalito, with its colorful home and Italian ambiance, nestled on the shore of the Marin Headlands. We then continued on to Tiburon and Belvedere. After lunch we cycled back onto the Marin ferry at 2:30 PM to return to San Francisco. Bill, Kyle, and I got back home just before 6 PM. It was a long but fulfilling and exuberant day, having completed about 34 miles.

With beautiful views of the coast, and picturesque neighborhoods, San Francisco is the ideal playground for anyone who enjoys exploring a city and the best way to experience what the City by the Bay has to offer is by hopping on a bike whether it’s your own or a rental.

Postscript: On the ferry back from Tiburon, Kyle and I agreed that in spite of the bad rep San Francisco gets in the media, by and large it is quite safe for visitors. Some places may be tricky to navigate like the Tenderloin, the Mission, and sometimes Union Square, and car break-ins, especially near the beach are extremely common, but for our purposes as bike riding enthusiasts, it is not a problem. And, in general people were out en masse along the Bay having a great day, walking their dogs, playing soccer and dining at the favorite restaurants, and riding their bikes all over town.

Cozy Outdoor Family Dinner at Trattoria 360 Italian Restaurant

Our daughter Michelle and husband Kyle treated us for dinner at Trattoria 360 in downtown Campbell for a belated birthday celebration for yours truly. We weren’t able to connect for my actual birthday on August 26, as they were on a beach vacation in Del Mar in San Diego County with our granddaughters and Cecile and I were at the Seascape Resort Beach in Aptos. So last night was the night, an early dinner on the eve of the long Labor Day Holiday weekend. It was such a treat to see them and our granddaughters, Lyla and Emmy again. The hostess escorted us to a cozy outdoor table. The girls told us about their beach vacation in colorful, animated ways that you’d expect from a child. Trattoria 360 was a first time event for all of us, so we weren’t sure what to expect.

Our charming waiter, who spoke with an Italian accent, introduced himself as Damiano. I asked him where he was from and he said Rome. He sized me up and asked me how about you? I said my mother was born in Sicily, I have cousins in Sicily, in Rome, an aunt and uncle and cousins from Torino (Turin) and the tone for the evening was set. Of course, I added that Michelle and Kyle had spent several months in Florence during their school abroad program while in college.

Kyle ordered an IPA and I asked Damiano what kind of Italian beers he had. He pointed to beer section of the menu. I didn’t see the more popular Italian beers like Peroni or Moretti, so I chose a Mendbrea Bionda, a light premium lager beer. Michelle and Kyle ordered up some starters for the table. Cozze Al Pepe (Steamed Mediterranean Mussels, with white wine marinara broth, served with toast); Burrata Casareccia (Fresh Burrata Cheese served with tomato, basil & Arugula; Insulate Pomodori (Tomato, Gorgonzola, Basil, Olive Oil Dressing). We also collectively ordered Tagliolini (long like spaghetti with Italian Sausage); Gnocchi Formaggi (Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cheese), and Salmon All Livornese (Wild King Salmon Fillet grilled, with capers, olives, Cherry tomatoes, Garlic, Fresh herbs over Farro and sautéed Spinach). Lyla and Emmy had pasta with butter from the kids menu and the burrata cheese, and Italian bread rolls.

For dessert, Kyle had Bread Pudding (Italian style with Zabaglione sauce and dark rum); Cecile and I shared Zabaglione (Italian custard with strawberry gelato); Lyla and Emmy shared a Lemon Sorbet packed inside a real lemon that had to be scooped out. They were in heaven (photo). The waiter brought out an additional birthday dessert and shot glasses of Limoncello while the waiter sang Happy Birthday to me, partially in English and the rest in Italian. It was a beautiful evening, the food and service was excellent and I can't complain about another birthday celebration. There is a saying: "Never look a gift horse in the mouth," meaning never refuse something good that is being offered to you. Of course the real gift is family, especially the little ones. Thank you Michelle and Kyle.

Honoring the Fond Memories of Our Late Fathers at the Crepevine Restaurant in San Jose

“My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived, and let me watch him do it.” —Clarence Budington Kelland

Sometimes a bike ride is not just a bike ride. My friend Bill and I decided to ride to San Jose on the Los Gatos Creek Trail. We elected to eat at the Crepevine in the Willow Glen area. We were seated outdoors next to a man who had ordered lunch for himself and his elderly mother who hadn’t arrived yet. More on that later.

While my dad Frank Augustine, died on December 18, 2017, in Hoboken, NJ, just shy of 101; Bill’s dad Irving Rothenberg, died on August 21, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 94. It goes without saying, that Bill’s loss is more acute and raw than mine. I sensed he wanted to talk about his father as I did before and after my father died. In fact, we had been speaking about Irving for some time before and after the many trips Bill took to Cleveland to check in on him. Without having met Irving, I felt I got to know him a bit through Bill’s memories.

As most of you know I have had the privilege of honoring my late dad and mom on Facebook a few times a year: On their birthdays, the anniversary of their passing, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and Veteran’s Day for dad. So, other than saying that dad was honored for contributions to his community and country by the City of Hoboken’s former mayor, The State Senator of NJ, The NJ Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Civilian Conservation Corp Legacy Journal, the Office of Senior Affairs, and for being a Boy Scout Leader for 25 years, with Bill’s blessings, I am going to focus on his dad, Irving who was a graduate of Ohio State University, became an Architect, served as an Air Force 1st Lieutenant, became a private pilot, and worked a full career in the construction business.

However, what is equally impressive about Irving, were his many hobbies. Bill described his dad—whom he affectionately calls, Irving—"a man of many interests and activities, with seemingly endless energy.” At different stages of his life, Irving was a boater, sailor, canoeist, swimmer, tennis player, water and snow skier, racquet ball player, runner, and camp counselor. He also engaged in Israeli dancing, fencing, bicycling, water coloring, SCUBA diving, and was a world traveler. As for those professional sports fans, Irving was a Browns, Indians, Cavaliers, and Buckeye fan, through and through. Last but not least, he was a passionate violinist who played from the age of five, until shortly before his death. As you can see in the photo this brought him pleasure.

More importantly, Bill describes his father as having been a kind man, at his core a good, and a gentle man, who was really interested in the well-being of others—A real “mensch" (Yiddish for someone who is kind and considerate). Thanks to Irving, Bill involved himself in most of the activities listed above. He participated in virtually every team sport, became a boy scout like myself, attended countless summer camps, became a big sports fan in his own right, did Polar Bear swims, ice skated, and participated in 10K races with his dad. He is a true “son of Irving,” proud and grateful for being given a birds-eye view on how to live life to its fullest.

Back to the man we met at the Crepevine Restaurant. His mother never arrived. Apparently, her caregiver had to take her back home, as she had an unpleasant mishap, and fell asleep. The dutiful son was going to bring the food he had ordered for her to her home. He told me his mom is 88, the same age as my mother Maria, before she passed away. His father, he added, died at 94, the same age as Irving. May they RIP.

Lunch at Zelda's Restaurant on the Beach at Capitola & Ukrainian Art Exhibit & Dance Performance

Cecile and I had Lunch at Zelda’s Restaurant in the heart of Capitola Village this past weekend. Located on the beach with views of the Monterey Bay and the Capitola Wharf. Zelda’s has been serving locals and visitors from all over the world for over forty years. They feature an expansive beachfront outdoor patio. We shared scrambled eggs with sautéed mushrooms, Kale, Cheese, and a side of fruit and a bowl of New England clam chowder.

Next to Zelda’s is a small alley that takes you right to the beach, offering a great view of the painted houses.

Capitola Wharf which was built in 1857. The upper platform succumbed to the regular slamming of the waves during rain storms and high surf making it unusable and in need of major repairs. We checked out the Ukrainian Art in the Park and a stage performance featuring Ukrainian dancer sponsored by the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission.

The riches of the river and sea have attracted people to this area for hundreds of years. The Soquel Ohlone Indians once hunted and gathered in nearby valleys and along the shore. Later came the Chinese and Italian fishermen who harvested the bay’s fish and shellfish. In the late 1800s, visitors seeking relief from the valley heat were attracted to the cooler weather and scenic coastal beauty.